Boston Celtics: 3 Reasons Fab Melo Will Outshine Jared Sullinger

Jim McIsaac/Getty ImagesBig man Melo has some skills that could allow him to be the C's most impactful rookie.

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Before, during and after the 2012 NBA draft, it's been the first of the Celtics' two first-round picks, Jared Sullinger, who has garnered more ink, commentary and scuttlebutt.

Don't sleep on the second of those two first-rounders though. Fab Melo can ball.

Melo, the 7'0", 273 lb. monster out of Syracuse by way of Brazil, fills some huge needs for the C's, beginning and ending with his size and ability to play in the paint.

In fact, there are some scenarios that may indicate Melo having an even better impact as a rookie than Sullinger.

The two possess far different skill sets, but what Melo brings to the table in terms of what the Celtics have been lacking in over the past couple years gives him the chance to potentially eclipse his fellow first-rounder.

1. Size

Chris Trotman/Getty ImagesThat's Melo in the middle. Expect more stills like this one in a C's uniform.

In case you missed it on the first page, here are Melo's measurements one more time: 7'0", 273 lbs.

You can't teach size which is lucky for Melo, who has it in spades.

Sullinger is a big boy too, coming in at a hearty 6'9", 265 lbs. But there's no way he'll be able to use that size in the ways Melo will.

Rebounding, blocking shots, clogging lanes, intimidating and protecting the rim will all be elements of Melo's job description from day one. In fact, they already are, as Melo opened up his Celtics career in a summer league win over Oklahoma City on Monday in which he registered a couple of blocks.

The Celtics drafted Melo for his size. It should wind up one of his biggest strengths.

2. Defense

Michael Heiman/Getty ImagesMelo's college defense will eventually translate into the NBA.

Think about what it was like for the Celtics last season without Kevin Garnett on the floor.

Once KG shifted to the 5, his primary backups were Ryan Hollins and Greg Stiemsma. Let's just say, there was a precipitous drop-off from the starter to the reserves.

This represents another primary reason why the Celtics took Melo with the No. 22 pick in the draft. He was known as a defensive maven at Syracuse, winning this past season's Defensive Player of the Year award in the Big East.